'We've always had the idea for Nico' - Deco confirms Barcelona are chasing Williams deal after agreeing personal terms with Athletic Club winger

Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Spanish left-winger for a few years and now appear set to land their man. Williams had been expected to depart Athletic last season after a strong European Championships, but opted to remain at his boyhood club for a further campaign. His departure is now inevitable and Barcelona look front runners to bring him to the Camp Nou, despite interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Asked whether signing Yamal's good friend Williams could create a 'club of friends', Deco told La Vanguardia: "We’ve always had the idea for Nico. The fact that they’re friends is fine, but we’re not going to brand him as friends.

"This isn’t a club of friends; we come here to work and try to win. Then, if they get along, even better. The most important thing is that they’re on the same page and have a clear idea of what we’re looking for. If that’s the case, he’ll be everyone’s friend. If we sign a winger, there won’t be any more signings at this level."

With Williams, Barcelona are set to secure their second signing of the transfer window. The club will likely trigger the winger's €58 million (£50m/$67m) release clause to bring him to the club. This follows the signing of Espanyol's Joan Garcia, who completed a €24m (£20.5m/$27.6m) move earlier this month. Williams' deal is likely to be less controversial than Garcia's with the goalkeeper receiving numerous threats since switching to Espanyol's major rivals.

Williams could be set to join a Barcelona squad that boasts a glut of attacking talent. The trouble for Hansi Flick is how best to fit all his stars into his starting line-up. Raphinha had been operating on the left-wing, but could move centrally to facilitate the arrival of Williams who could form part of a front three alongside Robert Lewandowski and Yamal.